CIA says Iran’s nuclear sites badly damaged in strikes

Washington

The CIA has claimed that recent U.S. airstrikes severely damaged Iran's nuclear program, causing destruction to several major facilities. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said credible intelligence shows that key Iranian nuclear sites would now take years to rebuild.

Ratcliffe did not share full details but noted the agency relied on trusted sources and confirmed destruction at the Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan nuclear sites. His statement supports President Donald Trump's earlier remarks that Iran’s nuclear efforts were "obliterated" in Saturday’s strike.

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), however, offered a more cautious assessment, suggesting the program may only be delayed by a few months, not years. The White House rejected this view, calling it incorrect and reaffirming Trump's stronger claims.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard echoed the CIA’s position on social media, saying rebuilding Iran's program from scratch could take several years. She said all three targeted facilities were badly damaged and would need complete reconstruction.

Meanwhile, President Trump announced a press briefing will be held Thursday morning by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to give more details and praise U.S. military pilots involved in the strike. Trump also criticized media reports questioning the mission's success, calling them “Fake News.”

This operation marks a major escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions and raises new questions about the future of Iran's nuclear ambitions. The full impact of the strike will likely remain unclear until further intelligence is reviewed.